State beach hosts 800 kids from throughout state

Angelique Flores

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- More than 800 kids from throughout the state spent

Tuesday and part of Wednesday at Huntington State Beach. For some, it was

their first time seeing the ocean.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation and the California

Police Activities League hosted the third annual Beach Play Day. Children

between the ages of 8 and 17 who are affiliated with their local league

enjoyed beach volleyball, bodyboarding and rescue demonstrations.

The Police Activities League is an outreach organization aimed at

deterring kids from criminal activity by giving them alternative

activities, said Michaele DeBoer, a league spokesman.

“It takes them out of their cities and neighborhoods,” DeBoer said.

Eric Hernandez, a 15-year-old from Los Banos, visited the beach for

the first time. His involvement with the league was encouraged by his

friend Ricky Masters.

“It gives us activities in the sun instead of being at home lounging

and watching TV,” said Ricky, 16.

The boys, who come from high-risk environments, volunteer their time

to umpire youth baseball games.

Youngsters from 24 cities -- including Anaheim, Calexico and as far

away as Oakland -- were treated to a visit from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks,

an ATV demonstration, bodyboarding and a dance party. The group camped

overnight on the beach in tents, most of which were set up by the

National Guard.

Each child had to earn the privilege of attending the trip with good

grades, staying out of trouble or volunteering.

Though the officers want the kids to have fun, they do have a message

for the youngsters.

“Law enforcement can be their friend,” said Joseph Milligan, lifeguard

supervisor for California State Parks at Huntington State Beach.

Police Activities League officers want kids to be aware of the

recreational activities available to them at state parks so they’ll

return and enjoy the facilities with their friends, Milligan said.

The kids also get to know the law enforcement officers who accompany

them on the trip. Many of the officers play volleyball with the kids and

frolic in the water with them.

“Some kids never get the opportunity to do this stuff,” Anaheim Police

Officer Raul Quezeda said. “This is like a vacation for them.”

Quezeda came with a group of 14 kids from Anaheim, most of whom come

from families living in hotels or motels.

“I like the swimming and the volleyball,” said Luis Macias, 8, from

Anaheim.

Many of the children, such as Elizabeth Lopez, were excited to learn

about water safety. The 6-year-old, who said she doesn’t get to visit the

beach much, enjoyed her time playing and felt safe with the officers

around.

The activities also help the children learn from each other, breaking

down stereotypes they may have of other kids, said Ron Exley, from a

league program in Oakland.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids, and they know they have to stay on

track to be a part of it,” DeBoer said.